Chrysler chooses U.S. based battery supplier

MIT’s Technology Review reports that Chrysler has chosen A123 Batteries, based in Watertown, MA, to provide batteries for its planned electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids. A123 is reportedly building factories in Michigan to build the batteries. According to the story, this could help promote an advanced battery undustry in the U.S.

The vehicles. too, will be built in the U.S., according to Chrysler. All good news, in a small way, for U.S. manufacturing, iespecially if Chrysler survives the current economic crisis.

A123 was selected, in part, because it is U.S.-based, and also because the battery modules are supposed to be easily adaptable to various vehicle models. Another benefit – the technology lends itself to relatively simple battery packs. Much more detail in the story. –nks